The 44-year-old ex boxing coach is proud of how his son is representing himself and how popular a figure he has become on the programme.

He told the Irish Sun: "The reaction Hughie is getting is incredible.

"People like him and, as his dad, I can vouch for Hughie and tell them he's a good lad who has has never done drugs or been in trouble with the police.

"He's a nice fella."

Hughie's fans in Ireland believe that his popularity will see him moved from the 'Others' house to the main Big Brother house.

The Irish star was absolutely livid earlier this week following a falling out with fellow housemate Natalie Rowe.

It all kicked off when the pair started to explain to housemates Jackson Blyton and Alex Cannon why The Others chose to evict them.

But the subject somehow took a very serious turn for the worse, leaving him absolutely livid.

His dad spoke about his son's rant in the show.

Hughie Snr said: "I warned them that Hughie looks like a teddy bear but can turn into a roaring lion if he feels he's in the right.

"And he did in this case.

"He's getting more and more popular which means he could be in the main house this week.

"And I want the whole country to get behind him because he's not just doing this for Traveller kids, he's doing it for settled people and the whole of Ireland as the only Irish housemate in Big Brother."

It comes as the dad of Irish Big Brother star Hughie Maughan spoke last week about how his son told him he was bisexual just before going on the show.

Hughie Maughan Snr said he was shocked when his son revealed he was bisexual but added that he is proud of him.

The 21-year-old Dublin Traveller asked his sister to let his family know after he flew to London for the show.

He came out as bisexual just before appearing on TV.

His 44-year-old father Hughie Snr said: "I am very proud of Hughie but hurt about what I am after finding out.

"If God came to me and said, 'I can change Hughie back to the way he was but you must lose your life', I would do it right away.

"I would walk into my grave right now.

"I wouldn't think twice about it.

"The reason is I'm afraid for Hughie and what sort of life he has ahead of him now.

"I hope I can reconcile with him because I can't sleep at night."

Hughie Snr, 44, hasn't been able to sleep since he found out that his son is bisexual.

Hughie told his family after he left Dublin Airport last Wednesday week to head to the Big Brother House.

Hughie Snr told the Irish Sun: "Hughie was crying when he rang up and told his sister and then asked her to tell me.

"My son is a very private person who wouldn't tell you anything.

"His mother is very upset and taking it very hard.

"I hope God can help us through this but the most important thing is that Hughie can get through this."